According to Luke’s account, the two men found in the tomb asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). The women who visited the tomb early in the morning anticipated finding Jesus’ body there. They had gone to embalm his body, as they hadn’t been able to do much at the time of the burial on Good Friday due to the approaching Sabbath. The news of Jesus’ resurrection was shocking to them, despite Jesus having foretold his crucifixion and resurrection at least three times during his earthly ministry. Yet, they were still seeking him as if he were dead. We know that Jesus has risen, but where do we seek him? Are we still searching for Jesus among the dead today? This is true if we live a hopeless life. Because he lives, we can face today, tomorrow, and forever. Is this hope evident in our daily lives? What about the sins, whether big or small, that still linger? Shouldn’t we live responsibly because Jesus lives? The men in the tomb who announced Jesus’ resurrection instructed the women to go and spread the message to the disciples and Peter. Did they do so? According to Mark’s gospel, the women fled in fear without speaking to anyone. If we believe in Jesus’ resurrection, we should proclaim to others confidently that he is alive.

Furthermore, Paul says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). Paul isn’t suggesting that we disregard life on earth but seek a life beyond earthly concerns. Since we have a greater hope, we should not hold the philosophy of the world, which is, ‘eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.’ He encourages us to live lives worthy of our calling. We are called by the risen Jesus, who conquered death so that we too may rise. Therefore, Paul urges us not to be swayed by worldly matters but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds and to live lives that reflect the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Augustine remarks, “The joyful news that He is Risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, and sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice.” May the Lord bless us!